Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for July 24, 2020

Another huge day for Ricky’s Rockets at Gulfstream Park, when the early Pick 4 brought home $825 from a $54 ticket. We’re back for another 10-race Saratoga card, highlighted by the Quick Call Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf. Will Jack and Noah claim his third stakes win, or will Turned Aside stop him in his tracks?

Also included below is my 11-race preview of Del Mar and 9-race preview of Gulfstream Park.

Best of luck!

Race 7: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#8 Snicket has finished second twice in a row and is the horse to beat if she repeats either of those two efforts. #10 Quantitativbreezin didn’t break well out of the gate in her debut and was forced five-wide in the stretch. She still finished a clear second behind Saratoga Love, who won gate to wire. #11 Kaz’s Princess nearly led the whole way in her debut, and now she picks up Irad Ortiz, Jr., which is always a positive when he rides for a small-barn trainer like Eduardo Jones.

Race 8: $62.5k Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#5 Chateau will try to be aggressive out of the gate and won at this level back in March, albeit against a weaker field. #7 Free Enterprise did well off of the long layoff last time out, his past races fit with this group, and he finished second in both prior Saratoga starts. Last time out, #9 Strike That finished second to Volatile, who won the Aristides Stakes in his next start and is favored to win Saturday’s Vanderbilt Handicap (G1).

Race 9: Quick Call Stakes for 3-year-olds going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#2 Jack and Noah is the horse to beat on paper and his post position certainly helps his early speed. If anyone is able to catch him in the stretch, it’ll likely be #8 Turned Aside, who’s finished second twice behind the favorite.

Race 10: $40k Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf

#1 Aintitfunkynow drops down to run with a tag for the first time, a 33% winning move for trainer Mike Maker. #3 Bricco drastically improved when he moved to this level last time out. He failed to hold on in the stretch, but a repeat effort makes him a logical choice. #5 Operative vastly improved when dropping in for a tag last time and figures to factor into this spot as well. #12 Mommie’s Jewel looked much better on the turf in his second career start. Look for him to improve once again as he will be given a couple of extra furlongs to work with.

THE TICKET

50¢ PICK 4 (Races 7-10) 8,10,11 / 5,7,9 / 2,8 / 1,3,5,12 – $36

Friday, July 24, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park